In Grade 4 Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 6 Lesson 1, students learn to distinguish between physical changes and chemical changes in matter. The lesson covers key concepts including change of state, evaporation, rust, and tarnish, while students investigate how altering the shape of clay affects its mass and volume. Through hands-on inquiry and real-world examples, fourth graders build understanding of how matter behaves differently depending on the type of change it undergoes.
Section 1
Matter Undergoes Physical Changes Without Becoming Something New
Physical changes alter appearance but maintain the same substance. Examples include changing shape, cutting, folding, or changing states (solid to liquid to gas). Mass remains constant even when volume changes.
Section 2
Substances Transform Into New Materials During Chemical Changes
Chemical changes create new substances with different properties. Signs include color changes, new odors, bubbles forming, or energy being released. Examples include rust forming, food cooking, and tarnish appearing.
Section 3
Energy Drives Matter To Change States
Adding energy causes particles to move faster, transforming solids to liquids (melting) and liquids to gases (boiling or evaporation). Removing energy slows particles, causing gases to become liquids and liquids to become solids.
Section 4
Scientists Identify Changes Through Observable Evidence
Physical changes show different shapes, sizes, textures, or states while remaining the same substance. Chemical changes reveal new substances through color changes, bubbles, new odors, or energy releases.
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Section 1
Matter Undergoes Physical Changes Without Becoming Something New
Physical changes alter appearance but maintain the same substance. Examples include changing shape, cutting, folding, or changing states (solid to liquid to gas). Mass remains constant even when volume changes.
Section 2
Substances Transform Into New Materials During Chemical Changes
Chemical changes create new substances with different properties. Signs include color changes, new odors, bubbles forming, or energy being released. Examples include rust forming, food cooking, and tarnish appearing.
Section 3
Energy Drives Matter To Change States
Adding energy causes particles to move faster, transforming solids to liquids (melting) and liquids to gases (boiling or evaporation). Removing energy slows particles, causing gases to become liquids and liquids to become solids.
Section 4
Scientists Identify Changes Through Observable Evidence
Physical changes show different shapes, sizes, textures, or states while remaining the same substance. Chemical changes reveal new substances through color changes, bubbles, new odors, or energy releases.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter